Sep. 18, 2013
|

Franklin and his dog, Chop, appear in a scene from 'Grand Theft Auto V.' / Rockstar Games

by Brett Molina, USA TODAY

by Brett Molina, USA TODAY

When 2001 hit Grand Theft Auto III launched for the PlayStation 2, the idea of an open-world, non-linear video game experience was a rarity.

At the time, there were few games like it for home consoles. Players had a story to engage them, but could approach it at their own pace, all while transforming a bustling metropolis into their personal playgrounds.

Twelve years later, it seems almost every adventure game is attempting to dive into the open-world action genre.

Grand Theft Auto V, the latest epic from Rockstar Games, is a reminder that the video game studio is still among the best at delivering a huge world to explore with plenty of opportunities to stir up trouble.

For those new to Grand Theft Auto, let's quickly review. It's a third-person action adventure set in a sprawling city where players dive into the criminal underworld. Players perform a variety of missions - from robberies to car chases or straightforward armed combat - as well as side quests, such as races. Shops scattered across the city allow players to customize their clothes, cars and weapons, while other naughty endeavors such as visits to prostitutes lurk around most corners. As the title suggests, this is a game for adult eyes only.

Unlike previous installments of Grand Theft Auto focused on one character, GTA V branches out with a trio setting up shop in Los Santos, the fictional equivalent of Los Angeles. Hollywood is Vinewood, the rich and famous stroll through Rockford Hills (Beverly Hills) and you can drive through the historic Route 68 (Route 66).

Michael is an experienced bank robber who settles down in Los Santos with a wife and two kids. There are shades of Tony Soprano in Michael, highlighted by trips to the therapist to cope with his family life and the allure of criminal activity. Franklin is a former gang member working as a repo man, but yearns for a "job" with better pay. Then there's Trevor, the unhinged ex-colleague of Michael with myriad mental issues.

Each character boasts his own special ability triggered when pressing the left and right thumbsticks. Franklin is an expert driver who slows time to knife between cars or dodge potential pileups. Michael attends the Max Payne School of Slow-Motion Shooting, slowing down time to accurately pick off enemies. Trevor goes into a "rampage," absorbing and dealing increased damage.

Their talents come into play once players kick off heists, arguably one of the best elements of GTA V. The heist is basically a huge mission broken down over several parts, culminating in the final attack. Lots of planning is involved. Players may need to secure vehicles or gear ahead of time, while also bolstering the abilities of their crews. Franklin, for example, may need to visit the range to work on his weapon skills, while Michael attends Flight School to improve his handling of a helicopter. The end results are giant heists that feel exhilarating once complete.

Players can freely switch between characters during the course of the game. The pace of flipping between characters picks up during missions when they're grouped together.

Equally impressive is the size of Los Santos. It's huge, almost overwhelming in some respects. There's so much to see and do that it's easy to get lost in what the city offers. Locales vary from vibrant downtowns with massive skyscrapers to remote areas tucked deep in forests. This is where Rockstar is at its best. It's not just a city with missions you tackle, but a living, breathing metropolis that players can soak up and enjoy. Accompanying players is arguably one of the best soundtracks in video games, featuring dozens of licensed tracks represented through the game's selection of radio stations.

Sure, the seedier elements remain, such as strip clubs or street racing or fancy apartments where you can stop for a bong hit. But players can also play tennis, golf, go hunting in the woods or even perform yoga. Surprisingly, the controls for each activity work pretty well. Players can also collect property, cars, outfits and other gear to live the flashy lifestyle. However, these aren't just superficial pursuits, as activities can beef up stamina, strength and other skills.

Rockstar also does not hesitate to use its platform to poke fun at modern culture. All three characters have profiles on social networks such as LifeInvader (Facebook) and radio ads for products that slow the aging process through the magic of formaldehyde. There are even several digs at certain military-themed first-person shooters that are all the rage. The social commentary found in these spaces is as interesting as the characters starring in the game.

If this enormous endeavor wasn't enough, Rockstar plans to launch Grand Theft Auto Online in October, where players can take their criminal exploits online as a unique character.

Just like its predecessors, Grand Theft Auto V is spectacular. Between the countless activities and criminal tales of Franklin, Trevor and Michael, Los Santos is a difficult place to leave.